Midfielder Emerson Hyndman learning from global adventures

Having started at FC Dallas before being snapped up by Fulham at 15, he captained the United States in the under-20 World Cup in New Zealand two years ago.

The youngster has also represented the States senior side and made his America debut in Prague against the Czech Republic.

One of his most recent exploits while being part of the set-up at Cherries saw him take on a fruitful loan spell at Scottish giants Rangers in January and he proved a huge hit.

A far cry from the soccer set-ups in the US, Hyndman insisted his 17-game spell with the Gers helped him develop as a player.

He told the Daily Echo: “It was a good chance to go out and play some games.

“I worked hard over the four or five months I was here beforehand, so to get the opportunity to play some games at such a big club was a good opportunity for me. I really enjoyed it.

“When you get that exposure and pressure at a big club, you are expected to perform week in, week out.

“It’s a big pressure to take on and I was happy. I felt like I dealt with it quite well and it will do me good moving on.”

And while he relished the chance to experience the footballing culture north of the border, Hyndman proved a big success at the Glasgow club.

He was named young player of the year at Ibrox, despite only signing during the second-half of the campaign.

An experience the midfielder will not forget in a hurry was the chance to feature in three Old Firm derbies.

Hyndman played 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park in March before getting 70 minutes in the 2-0 Scottish Cup semi-final defeat against the Bhoys at Hampden Park.

A further humbling happened in a 5-1 reverse for Hyndman’s loan club against Celtic at Ibrox shortly after, in which he played for just under an hour.

Crowds averaging more than 50,000 were in attendance across those three fixtures and Hyndman insisted the derby clashes were “crazy”.

He said: “Being American, playing in Europe is different, let alone playing in one of those derbies.

“The rivalries are a lot more historic.

“It was crazy because I got the chance to play in three different venues as well in those games, so I got the full experience.”

A stress fracture to his foot curtailed Hyndman’s Scottish exploits before the end of last season.

But having now reached a full recovery, he is looking to make an impact at Cherries.

Asked about his recent injury problems, Hyndman said: “It’s tough when you get injured, especially with mine.

“It was over a summer and I had to work on it. I came back and it still wasn’t right.

“It was one of those things that kept popping up and little feelings kept coming back. I didn’t want it to happen all over again.

“We had to take a step back and re-evaluate it but, once we got the all-clear, it was all good to go.

“It was a frustrating time but all that work has benefitted me now.”

Hyndman has already made a little piece of history during his time with Cherries this season.

During the Carabao Cup extra-time victory over Brighton on Tuesday, he became the first man from the club to be used as a fourth substitute in cup competitions.

He replaced Ryan Fraser in the 117th minute.

And on his ambitions for the future, Hyndman is eager to stake his claim for a place in Cherries’ first-team plans.

“The gaffer told me he sees me in and around it this year so all I can do is work hard in training and see where it takes me,” he added.

“Playing in the first team and getting involved in the match days is a big thing for me.

“I am optimistic. I’m training hard every day and doing my best to try to impress.

“It’s just making that next jump and achieving that next target.”